1. 1 Technology for Educational Achievement in Wisconsin (TEACH) Board Legislative Audit Bureau May 2002

2. 2 TEACH Agency Structure u Created by 1997 Wisconsin Act 27 u 9-member Board u Agency attached to DOA for administrative purposes u Executive Director appointed by Governor

3. 3 Four Main Programs u FY 2000-01 expenditures totaled $61.3 million u Block Grants u Wiring Loans u Training Grants u Telecommunications Access

4. 4 Block Grants u $132.0 million provided from FY 1997-98 to FY 2000-01 u Statutes provide school districts with broad expenditure flexibility u Districts support the program u TEACH has sought enhanced reporting

5. 5 Wiring Loans u Bonding authority established in Act 27 u $53.2 million provided to 129 school districts u $548,000 provided to 9 library systems u Districts have generally met their wiring needs u TEACH has sought program modifications for funding for libraries

6. 6 Training Grants u $14.6 million awarded through FY 2000-01 u Model classroom implemented for awards in FY 1999-2000 and FY 2000-01 u We recommend TEACH report to the Legislature on training accomplishments

7. 7 Telecommunications Access u $33 million from the Universal Service Fund and federal E-rate monies u 161 video links and 486 data lines have been installed u Use of the statewide network by students is not well documented u Guaranteed minimum revenues to the WBAA are $59.4 million

8. 8 Questions for Legislative Consideration u What reporting requirements should be imposed on program participants? –Model after end-of project reports for training grants –Are block grants used to repay wiring loans and to pay monthly fees for video links?

9. 9 Questions for Legislative Consideration u How should new technologies be assessed? –State level analysis of alternative technologies is appropriate –How many students are enrolled in courses beyond those required for high school graduation? –How many at-risk or disadvantaged children are served through distance education courses?

10. 10 Questions for Legislative Consideration u How should TEACH Board programs be funded and structured in the future? –2001 Wisconsin Act 16 identified alternative funding for FY 2001-02 –GPR savings can be achieved while maintaining the two-thirds funding commitment

11. 11 Technology for Educational Achievement in Wisconsin (TEACH) Board Legislative Audit Bureau May 2002